Deep Blue Planet: This exoplanet is, at a distance of 63 light years, one of those nearest to earth (Picture: University of St Andrews)

Researchers who studied the atmospheres of planets outside of our solar system claim to have found evidence that their atmospheres are fertile for life.

Scientists at the University of St Andrews studied the atmospheres of exoplanets – alien worlds which orbit stars that aren’t our Sun or failed stars (called brown dwarfs) that do not burn as fiercely.

The astronomers found that electrified gas clouds in their environments provide the perfect conditions for the formation of prebiotic molecules – the seeds from which life blossoms.

This dust can become charged, creating ‘special gases that contain charged particles (electrons and ions) in these atmospheres.’

Dr Craig Stark, who worked on the project alongside colleagues, said: ‘The atmospheres around exoplanets and brown dwarfs form exotic clouds that, instead of being composed of water droplets, are made of dust particles made of minerals.

‘These charged gases are called plasmas – like those found in fluorescent lights and plasma televisions.

‘The dust can find itself immersed in the charged gases and the charged particles stick to the dust making the dust charged.

‘The charged dust attracts onto its surface other charges from the surrounding plasma helping grow molecules on the dust surface.’

The team studied many exoplanets including HD 189733 b – also known as the Deep Blue Planet – which glistens an azure blue, experiences temperatures of 1,000 degrees Celsius and 7,000kmph winds.